Room for 'Rachel' at Inova Fairfax Hospital

Teardrops to Rainbows recently raised $15,000 to transform Inova Fairfax Hospital's worn-down parent's lounge into a colorful and peaceful respite for the family members of children undergoing treatment. The project and the organization were both started in memory of Rachel Crossett — who died of cancer in July 2001 at the age of 6. Rachel is the daughter of Meg and Jim Crossett of the Pleasant Hill community.

Lois Lyons, lifelong friend of the Crossetts, used this tragedy to start an organization that would help families with children being treated for cancer. "We provide financial support and anything else that will keep these families connected," said Lyons, who went on to express the importance of allowing families to stay with their loved ones during times of cancer treatment — a luxury some simply cannot afford. "We were able to renovate the parent's lounge [at Inova Fairfax Hospital], which used to be very depressing. It's now a beautiful, comfortable and peaceful room with furniture, a fountain and we even got a beautiful mural."

The renovated room has been renamed "Rachel's Room," in memory of Rachel and the impact she had on those around her. "For those who did not have the fortune to meet Rachel, she was the rainbow — colorful, bright and shining — despite the darkest of days," says the organization's online newsletter.

To learn more about Teardrops to Rainbows, including information on how to volunteer or make donations, visit www.teardropstorainbows.org.